How To Start A Program

Interested Legionnaires are asked to work with their department to select persons who will initiate such a program. Contact your State Police or Highway Patrol about the feasibility of starting such a program in your state. Once an agreement has been obtained, develop your curriculum, application process and dates of your first program. Other departments who can be contacted for information concerning their current program are: Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Testimonial Letter from the South Dakota State Patrol
Testimonial Letter from The American Legion of South Dakota

Curriculum and Duration

Program content may vary from state to state. Most programs will include physical fitness training coupled with classroom instruction and hands-on training. Topics of instruction may include criminal law, constitutional law, patrol procedures, criminal investigation procedures, traffic crash investigation, evidence gathering techniques, arrest techniques, taking fingerprints, testifying in court, public speaking, leadership skills, vehicle operating procedures, report writing, interviewing techniques, crisis intervention, use of control and firearms training. Most programs currently being operated are conducted in the summer months and are about a week in duration.

Application Process

Departments and/or posts should develop applications and a process to select, approve and place students into this program. State Police or Highway Patrol agencies should be contacted to assist in or develop the course curriculum. Physical fitness certifications from a physician may be required of applicants. Release of liability forms may also be required.